The White House

The White House is one of the most easily recognizable buildings on earth, yet shrouded in mystery and power.

Nearby Attractions

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National Security Council HQ
The famous site of the NSC's cover-up of the Iran-Contra paper trail.
President Andrew Jackson
An American soldier and statesman, involved in the controversial Trail of Tears, but also famous for making the White House accessible to the public and for listening to the people.
Lincoln Memorial
Learn about Lincoln, who led America through the Civil War and the Thirteenth Amendment. He was the first American president to be assassinated.
James A Garfield
Learn about James Garfield, who was assassinated after only a few months in office.
William McKinley
The 25th president of the United States, and the 3rd president to get assassinated when in office.
John F. Kennedy
JFK is famous for the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban missile crisis, as well as being assassinated early in his presidency.

Related Tours

The Best of Washington DC: Private Full-Day Walking Tour
As America’s cultural centre, Washington DC is more than just the home of the President. DC is a city rich in history and proud of its heritage and on this tour, you will discover the most popular highlights, including the National Mall and the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

On your private tour, you will:

  • Stand in awe of the Washington Monument, once the tallest structure in the world, in 1884;
  • Visit the National Mall and delve into the history behind each monument; 
  • See the World War II Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr Memorial and the Korean War Memorial;
  • Stand by the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to see the Reflecting Pool;
  • See the iconic White House home to each of the Presidents of the United States;
  • Visit the immense world of the Smithsonian Museums, with a 2-hour guided tour of the National Museum of American History.
At 68 square miles, Washington DC has more than the political arena with which to seduce its many visitors, from the secrets of the FBI Building, and CIA Headquarters to over 70 museums devoted to almost every topic, including an International Spy Museum, American Indian art and African-American culture. 

On your full-day highlights tour, you will discover the heart and soul of America’s capital district, on a guided journey to its key attractions that do DC justice - politics and all.

As you discuss the city’s role in historical events, you will journey around DC’s most famous memorials, monuments and landmarks to read the Gettysburg Address inscription at the Lincoln Memorial and reflect on the impact of America’s Civil War. The beautiful Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial both evoke the sobriety of America’s involvement in overseas conflicts. 

At the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, it is impossible not to feel uplifted and inspired by the power of the words he penned for his famous "I Have a Dream" address. 

You’ll be able to see views of the White House before enjoying a respite for a lunch break. Please note your guide will happily recommend different lunch options for your price point, as lunch is not included in the tour.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided tour of the Smithsonian Museum of American History.
The National Mall: Washington DC Private Half-Day Walking Tour
Discover the history and significance of Washington, DC with a private half-day walking tour of the National Mall. Your expert guide will lead you along the National Mall to the monuments, memorials and museums that make up this historic site. Along the way, learn about the city's incredible history as well as current events that shaped its past.

On your private tour, you will:

  • See one of the most famous houses in the world, The White House - the official residence and workplace of the president of the United States;
  • Pass by the Washington Memorial, and walk along the famed National Mall;
  • Visit the Vietnam War Memorials to honour the men and women who fought in the war;
  • Climb the iconic stairs to the Lincoln Memorial, and read the immortal words spoken at Gettysburg;
  • Enjoy the spectacular views over the reflecting pool and the Capitol;
  • Visit the evocative Korean War Veterans Memorial and learn about The Forgotten War memorial housing the Wall of Remembrance;
  • Hear the story of Dr King’s I Have a Dream Speech at the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, learn about the numerous marches that have taken place in the capital and the changes inspired by these movements;
  • Your tour ends here, where we recommend you continue on to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and Jefferson Memorial at your own leisure.
Your tour will begin with views of two of the most famous buildings in the country – the U.S. Capitol and the White House. While learning about the history of each, you’ll have the chance to learn more about the fascinating politics of the most powerful country in the world. 

From there, your tour continues to more of Washington DC’s iconic sites, where you’ll learn all about the stories of the nation and its capital and each unique monument and memorial along the National Mall. On your private tour, your guide will take you to several of the city’s most famous monuments, from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial.

Your tour ends at the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial where you are free to continue exploring at your own pace.
The National Mall at Dusk: Washington DC Private Evening Tour
When the sun sets, the monuments and memorials of Washington DC are illuminated. Experience the stunning architecture of DC as you uncover its rich political history. On your private tour of the Capital’s monuments at night, you will:

  • Be accompanied by a private tour guide throughout your tour. 
  • See the best of the monuments, when the people have largely left, and each monument is lit up to best display itself. 
  • See the iconic Washington Monument looming over the city.
  • Walk by the World War II Memorial honouring the soldiers and civilians who served during the war.
  • Experience the moving monuments of the Korean Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Memorials.
  • Stand in awe of the immensity of The Lincoln Memorial, and stand on its steps, gazing out over the city and the reflecting pool. 
  • End your tour at the iconic White House, residence and workplace of the United States President.
Washington DC is ideal to explore after sunset when crowds disperse and buildings light up. On this tour, you will explore the most important national memorials of America's capital, as you understand their place in the country's history. 

Not only will you uncover the monuments dedicated to historical figures such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, but you will also have the chance to commemorate Vietnam and Korean veterans, as well as those lost during World War II. 

Throughout your walking tour, your guide will tell you stories about the circumstances around how the National Mall was built over the centuries - from Dolly Madison and Eliza Hamilton's efforts to build the Washington Monument to then-21-year-old Maya Lin's design of the Vietnam Memorial. 

End your tour in front of The White House where you are free to continue exploring the lighted city at your own pace.

Please note: In summer, the sun sets as late as 8:30 PM. Please be in touch with us if you wish to have a later start time.
Secrets & Scandals: Washington DC Private Half-Day Walking Tour
Explore the political heart of Washington D.C with an expert private guide to regale you with the stories of corruption and scandal at the very heart of political power in the USA. From stories of presidential scandals to the Secret Service, your experienced guide will weave together intrigue, conspiracy theories, and everything you never knew about how decisions are made in America. 

On your private tour you will: 

  • See the famous buildings synonymous with American power and democracy the world over;
  • Learn about the 4 presidential assassinations from Abe Lincoln to JFK, and the many attempted assassinations – and how they were thwarted;
  • Enjoy stories of how during the Prohibition era, DC was likely, and hypocritically, the least dry place in the United States;
  • Get to know the main sites around the White House neighbourhood, where so many national & international scandals have started or taken place, including Old Ebbitt Grill and the Willard;
  • Hear tales of corruption, secrets and lies at the heart of political power in Lafayette Square, including of Kennedy's affair with suspected East German spy Inga Arvad and how his father involved the notorious FBI director, J Edgar Hoover, in ending the tryst;
  • Hear all the historic and very latest gossip about what really goes on behind those secure, closed doors protecting those in power, and the various drinking holes that litter the city;
  • Your tour ends at the White House, where you'll hear about the wild parties thrown, including Andrew Jackson's inauguration party in which he slipped out of the house through a back window to escape the rabble.

Washington DC has a reputation as a wheeler-dealer city where billion-dollar contracts, cosy media deals, and political alliances are sealed in smokey bars, boardrooms, and dinners hosted by power brokers in swanky Georgetown townhouses. 

On your tour down memory lane of scandals past, discover the secrets, lies and backstories behind DC’s congressmen, journalists, military men and politicos throughout history.

On this tour, your guide will spill all the details of the stories of the occupants of the White House - both those from the recent past, including Nixon, Kennedy, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Obama and Trump - and its nineteenth-century occupants. 

You will trawl the haunts associated with some of Washington’s greatest rumours, indiscretions and media storms, security details, news-hounds, senators, lawmakers, cable news stars and White House officials. 
Magical Christmas Lights: Washington DC Private Walking Tour
Experience Washington DC as you never have before on this Christmas lights private walking tour when the sun sets and the monuments and memorials are illuminated. 

On your tour, you will:

  • Admire the United States Capitol with its season illumination;
  • Find out which National Forest provides the grand tree for the US Capitol - a tradition stretching back to 1964;
  • Pass by the Sculpture Ice Rink for amazing views of the National Gallery of Art;
  • See the monuments of DC standing majestically and brightly lit as holiday cheer spreads throughout the city;
  • Enjoy the spectacular lights of the iconic National Christmas tree at the White House;
  • Learn about the enduring traditions of the city and the unique way each First Family has celebrated the holidays;
  • Stroll through the Downtown Holiday Market, shopping for trinkets, ornaments, and presents;
  • Treat yourself to a warming hot cocoa or spiced cider as you shop your way through each stall.

Washington DC is inspiring year-round, but when the holiday lights are strung new magic hangs in the crisp, winter air - a collective joy overtakes residents and visitors alike. It's simply the most wonderful time of the year to be out and about in DC.

On your private walking tour, your guide will not only show you the spectacular lights on display throughout the national mall but will also share with you the history of Christmas in Washington DC, which spans further back than the tradition of the National Christmas Tree, which began in 1923. 

While your holiday walking tour will be filled with stories that remind us of the magic of the season, your guide will also be sharing the history of the monuments and how the city came to be. Your tour ends with a visit to the Downtown Holiday Market at Penn Quarter, where you will be free to continue at your own pace and of course purchase any handmade Christmas gifts!

 We invite you to join us in this spectacular city lights private tour made just for you this wonderful season. 

Please note: This tour does not run after December 23rd.
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